August 1, 2008

The Bonifacio-Gonzalez middle infield defense appears to be as-advertised. As does Emilio's vaunted speed, and Alberto's batting eye. It was just one game, and a game against Homer Bailey, at that, but I'll join the chorus that's saying, "If I have to watch bad baseball, I'd prefer it be played by 9 hustling kids."

Apparently Odalis Perez feels the same way. The youth movement inspired arguably his best start of the season, 1 run on 3 hits over 7 and a third innings. That was more than enough against Bailey, who I expect to see on our roster by this time next season at this rate. The top of the lineup jumped all over Homer, getting 2 runs in the first inning and tacking on three more in the second, including a double by Gonzalez and a single/steal combo by Bonifacio.

Yes, the offense pretty much closed up shop after that, but Perez, "Everyday" Saul Rivera and newly anointed closer Joel Hanrahan held the Reds in check, doing an especially nice job against the heart of the Cincy lineup. If we can get this kind of combination of pitching and defense down the stretch, Nats baseball will be a lot more watchable. Heck, it might even cost us the "Strasburg Sweepstakes."

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